There are a lot of pets out there. Reptiles, cats and hamsters are a few options. If you want unconditional love, turn to a dog. The following article will give you some great advice to help you take care of your dog.

Owning a dog is quite a large financial commitment. Every dog requires good quality food, general supplies and medical care; this can range in cost from $700 to $1000 per year. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.

Your home must be dog-proofed. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.

Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. A checkup once a year will help diagnose any problems.

If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. If he just so happens to run away from you, you should have a picture so you can find him.

Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.

Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.

Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. Ask your vet what the right meal plan is for your dog.

Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Instead, research which brands are considered to be nutritious. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.

Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.

Having a dog is kind of a big deal, but with the tips you’ve learned, you should be prepared. Continue learning and reading about dogs. It will be an interesting read, and you will know how to better care for your pet.